Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 39 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Atlanta Hawks 140-129 on Monday night, getting the better of his cousin Nickeil Alexander-Walker in a battle that had family ties and fireworks on both ends. While NAW poured in a strong 30 points with six threes for Atlanta, SGA’s scoring punch and OKC’s explosive third quarter sealed the win, pushing the Thunder to 28-5 on the season.
The viral NBA clip capturing their “battle of cousins” has already racked up views, showing just how personal — and competitive — this matchup got between the two sharpshooting guards.
Family first, but business on the court
These two aren’t just opponents. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker grew up tight, sharing the court since their early days in Canada. They’ve faced off before — even in high-stakes playoff moments — but Monday’s regular-season clash brought out the best (and most competitive) in both.
SGA didn’t hold back after the game. Past interviews show his mindset: “He’s like my second brother… but I’m trying to take his head off completely.” That fire showed up in OKC’s dominant run, where Shai controlled the pace and drained key mid-range jumpers when Atlanta tried to trap him.
NAW kept it close early, hitting threes and finding seams in OKC’s defense. His 30 points came on efficient shooting, including six from deep, but the Hawks couldn’t match the Thunder’s depth or third-quarter explosion.
Key moments from the Thunder-Hawks thriller
The game had plenty of highlights that made it must-watch TV:
SGA’s takeover: 39 points, six assists, five boards. He feasted in transition and hit contested pull-ups that left Hawks defenders shaking their heads.
Chet Holmgren’s support: 24 points and nine rebounds off the bench, showing why OKC’s young core is so scary.
NAW’s response: Six threes and five assists kept Atlanta in it, but turnovers and cold stretches from the Hawks doomed them.
Third-quarter surge: OKC outscored Atlanta by 15 in the period, turning a tight game into a rout.
Final tally: Thunder 140, Hawks 129. Atlanta drops to 15-19, still searching for consistency on the road.
Cousins clashing: a pattern in the NBA
This wasn’t their first rodeo. SGA and NAW have squared off multiple times, including playoff battles where family trash talk turned up the heat. Back in the 2025 Western Conference Finals, Shai called out the intensity: competing against blood is “even more special,” but he plays to win.
Fans love these storylines. When two cousins go at it — one dropping 39 for the league-best Thunder, the other battling with 30 — it adds heart to the highlight reel. OKC’s crowd ate it up, chanting as SGA pulled away late.
What it means for both teams
For the Thunder, it’s business as usual. At 28-5, they’re the NBA’s top team and look primed for another deep playoff run. SGA’s MVP-level play (averaging over 30 points again this season) makes them a nightmare matchup.
Atlanta? They fought hard but need better closeouts and rebounding. NAW’s scoring keeps them dangerous, but losses like this highlight why they’re hovering around .500.
Quick stats from the family duel
| Player | Points | 3PM | Assists | Rebounds | Key Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SGA (OKC) | 39 | ? | 6 | 5 | Game-high scorer, winner |
| NAW (ATL) | 30 | 6 | 5 | ? | Kept Hawks in striking distance |
| Chet Holmgren (OKC) | 24 | ? | 2 | 9 | Big bench spark |
(Data from game recaps and NBA highlights.)
FAQs: SGA vs. NAW battle of cousins
Who won between SGA and his cousin NAW?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder came out on top, 140-129 over NAW and the Hawks. SGA scored 39 to NAW’s 30 in the family matchup.
Have SGA and NAW faced off before?
Yes, multiple times — including playoffs. They’ve been competing since childhood, but SGA holds the edge with an 11-3 head-to-head record against NAW’s teams.
Where can I watch the highlights?
Check the NBA’s official clip “SGA comes out on top vs. NAW in battle of cousins” for the best moments from their duel.
This cousin clash gave fans everything: scoring, drama, and a feel-good family angle. With OKC rolling and NAW keeping Atlanta competitive, expect more fireworks if their paths cross again in the playoffs.
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.